A series of activities - including a flag-raising ceremony, a reception, a variety show and fireworks - will be held in Hong Kong on October 1 to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The flag-raising ceremony will be held at 8am at the Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang will join about 2,500 guests, senior government officials, members of the uniformed groups and local organisations at the ceremony.

Public welcome to watch

The public can watch the ceremony at a designated area with a capacity of about 1,000 people. Six plasma TVs and LCD screens will be set up there. To ensure the smooth running of the ceremony, people should follow the regulations and directions the authorities give on site.

The National Day reception will be held after the ceremony at the Convention & Exhibition Centre's Grand Hall. About 4,000 guests, including members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, consular corps, senior government officials and members of various community sectors, are invited to the reception.

In the evening, a variety show will be staged at 7pm at Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom. A spectacular fireworks display, lasting for about 23 minutes, will start at 9.15pm.